CARNIVALS IN ARGENTINA

 Carnival is one of the most traditional popular festivals in the history of mankind. As time went by, carnival began to be adopted in different styles according to the customs of each country. In Argentina for example, we have the “Carnival of Gualeguaychu” in Entre Rios and the “Carnival of Quebrada de Humauaca” in Tilcara, Jujuy. These two carnivals are similar in many ways, but their atmosphere and location set them apart. 

 To start with, these festivals were only practiced privately but slowly over the centuries, they were expanded and then developed into the more organized public street celebrations completed with masks, colourful costumes and elaborated parades. Both are celebrated in February during holidays. Most of the dancers cover their faces with colourful masks. In the festival of the Quebrada de Humahuaca joyful dancing and feast  takes places and many different instruments are played. Similarly in the carnival of Gualeguaychu there is a mixture of dancing, singing along, the comparsa and the festive mood is palpable. Other similarity is the audience. As both festivals are well known they attract many tourists around the world who visit the area at the time of the year that the festivals take place.

 As regard with their differences, the Humauaca as much as in other Andean carnivals, Christian tradition merges with native religious beliefs, for instance offerings made to the Pachamama (mother earth). In Gualeguaychu the carnival is more related with the Brazilian carnival and the people do not make Christian offers. Other difference is food and drink. In Tilcara, copious drinking of chicha (the local brew made from fermented maize) and traditional dishes such as empanadas and humitas play a leading role in the celebration. What is more, in Entre Rios a few “trago” carts are about, some people eat “choripan” and others sip bottles of icy-could Quilmes beer. Moreover the Humaucaca is one of the most renowned celebrations in northwest Argentina, besides one of the oldest. The Gualeguaychu festival is considered one of the best in the world together with Rio de Janeiro.

 To sum up, as the time went by, carnivals began to have more popularity depending on the region. In Argentina the Humauaca and Gualeguaychu festivals attract a lot of tourists every year. Despite their difference and similarities these two festivals are a spectacular and amazing attraction. 

This is María Elena's essay.

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